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ABRAH: 



THE CONSPIRATOR. 



TRAGEDY IJY FIVE ACTS 



BY 



JOIL\ S^^MOORE. 







WASHINGTON : 
, W I L L I A M A D A M . 
PHILADELPHIA— ZIEBER & CO 
BOSTON— REDDING & CO. 



1847. 






ERRATA. 

Page 6, line 1, for " was't," read wast. 
" 7, line 4, for " you " read thou. 
" 9, last line, for " Moslem " read Moslem's. 
" 10, line 8 from bottom, for " awakened " read wakened. 
" 11, line 18, for " the " read thee. 
" 15, liae S, for " women " read woman. 



T. B^RNiLRD, PrIRTER, 

Pena. Avenue, Washington. 



Subordinate, 
conspirators 



PERSONS REPRESENTED. 

Dry of Algiers. 

Pin to de Fonseca, Grand Master of the Order of St. John. 

De Rohan, ) j^-^j hts of the Order of St. John. 

XlMINES, ^ s •/ 

Abrah, a Moor, chief conspirator. 

Pasha of Rhodes, a captive in Malta, 

MiRZAH, Captain in the Graiid Master'' s body-guard, 

Harak, 

Ibrahim, 

Akabar, 

Hussein, an Mgerine Captain. 

Israel, o Jew. 

Abdal, J 

Kader, > Sailors in the service of the Dey of Algiers. 

Tarik, a J^egro, j 

Moresca, rt Moorish slave. 
Rachael, Wife of the Jew Israel. 
Rebecca, his Daughter. 

Priest, Officers, Guards, Executioner, Slaves. 

Scene : — Sometimes Malta, sometimes Algiers. 
Time : — First half of the eighteenth century. 



^ 



ABRAH: THE CONSPIRATOR. 



ACT I. 

Scene L — A Street in Malta. — Night. 
Enter Hakak a7id AbraH. 

Harak. Our chains wear lighter than has been their 

wont, 
And if we do endure, not murmuring, 
Our princely masters will remove them wholly; 
Then, wherefore should we break these gentle 

bands, 
Which are but show of thraldom, to excite 
Our lords, and bring down their revengeful ire? 
Hence ! hence away ! my better heart forbids it; 
I will not hear thy treasonable thoughts. 
Ahrah. Ha ! treasonable thoughts, forsooth. Is it 

A villanous crime to think, if we have brains ? 
Thou, timid idiot! thus may'st deem, but I, 
Whom thou wouldst spurn as one that is not 

fashioned 
Of so pure dust, nor sprung from such a race, 
Laugh at such foolish fancyings. My blood, 
Runs like consuming lava in my veins, 
At every mention of calm sufferance. 
I thought thou didst possess a prouder soul-*- 
A spirit of a more heroic cast— 
1* 



6 ABRAH THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act L 

And was 't not one that would endure a fetter, 
Though it were made of gold and light as air. 

Harak. And dost thou doubt rny native detestation 
Of slavery ? Look in my face and ponder ; 
Then say if there be aught might indicate 
A love of vile subjection and endurance. 

Abrali. I've read thy countenance ere now, and if 

My lore and judgment do not much deceive me^ 
Thou art all I could wish : and yet, even now, 
I fear they both have widely erred, thy words 
So greatly do belie thine outward seeming. — 
The rust which gathers on the clanking iron 
Will often eat into the noblest heart ! 
There have been men who have grown so fa- 
miliar 
With the low offices of cringing slaves^ 
That all their natural loathing has become 
A very love ; and duties once most odious. 
Have been exalted in their eyes supremely. 
I fear some such are in the world even now. 

Harak. Nay, as thou lovest life, insinuate nothing 

To gall one better than thyself, mean wretch! 

Abrah. Wretch ! Yes, I am one : I by very chance. 
But thou by choice. — 1 was not born to be 
More than a slave, but thou hast been far greater: 
In my own land I should be but a drudge, 
Condemned to earn my bread by sweating toil. 
And yet the breath of heaven would fan my browy 
Telling me of my freedom, and for this — 
For that sweet liberty which makes life dear — 
Base as I am, there are fond longings here ! 

{Placing Ms^hand on hi> Ireast.) 



Scene I.] abrah — the conspirator. 7 

Harak. But wouldst thou counsel me to make rebellion 
Even in the face of kindness, and become 
Traitor and ingrate ? Should I not be grateful ? 
Ay, do not you and I owe some return 
For gentle usage ? 

Abrali. Gratitude ! — Is that 

A sentiment for slaves to entertain 
Towards their masters ? towards men who are 
Inferior to themselves by right of birth ? 
Did mother Nature make us what we are ? 
Hear, fellow slave, and answer; what wast thou ? 

Harak. Ha ! what was I ? Thy question hath sunk 
deeply : 
Like a hot dagger it doth burn my blood. 

Abrah. Then have I hopes that thou mayst yet be saved. 

Harak. Thy v/ords bring madness : they have made 
me think. 

Abrah. Then think ! think how thy freedom may be 

won, 

And by a blow which shall raise us to honor : 

For, by the hell that's harbored in my breast, 

With resolute hearts and hands to second them, 

I could now fabricate so vast a mine 

That its explosion would overwhelm our tyrants. 

And elevate us to their sovereignty. 

I must depart and seek more willing hearers. 

Yet, do thou think and give thy thpughts free 

range. 

Anon 1 shall renew communion with thee. 

{Exit.) 

Harak. What ! has he left me here to think ? to think 

And madden with my thoughts ? Had he not 

said 



ABRAH THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act I. 

I was a slave, and laughed at my submission, 
I could have toiled as meanly as before 
And brooked all inconveniences of fortune, 
But now his speech acts on me like a poison ; 
His taunts have cut me to the very quick 
And fester at my heart : I feel myself 
Once more alive to pangs of ignominy, 
And curse the easiest bonds of slavery. 
Once more I am a man to dare, to do. 

(Exit.) 



Scene II. — Room in the Captive Pa&lia of Rhodes^ 
palace. — Day. 

Enter Abrah. 

Ahrah. Ah, bravely ! bravely ! All things fare full 
well : 
That Harak will be mine, ay, and ere long ; 
I stung him in a tender point — his pride ! 
Fve won the profligate Persian — that wine-bib- 
bing. 
And woman-hunting shallow-pate : he's mine ^ 
His store of wit is trifling, yet he may 
Render substantial aid by other means. 
I have that miserly Akabar : the hope 
Of gloating with his avaricious eyes 
O'er heaps of glittering wealth hath tempted him. 
Whom nothing else could move, to brave this 

danger : 
Ah, gold ! thou art a Syren unto some. 
But one — one more is wanting : he will be 



Scene II.] abeah — the conspirator. S 

Most difficult to influence : Hark! what's this? 

Enter Moresca. 
How fares Moresca now ? As is her wont 
She wears all smiles, and such, they tell us, are 
True evidences of nmuch happiness. 

Moresca. And wrinkled brows betoken much dis- 
quietude ; 
But do not now upbraid me for my humor ; 
I am inclined to merriment, and thou 
To sombre thinking, — there the difference lies; 
But such things shall not ever come between us. 

Ahrah. Nay, Nay! I hold thee much too dear for that, 
And, since thou art all sunshine, do prefer 
The sunshine to the shadow. By my faith ! 
Thou look'st more fair than usual. 

Moresca. And thou 

More as if lightened of an irksome burden. 
But I am decked out for an interview. 
The Pasha learning of my qualities, 
H!alh sent for me to sing before him, 

Ahrah, Ah? 

Moresca. 'Tis so ; but be not jealous, I conjure thee ; 
I hate a jealous lover above all things ! 

Abrah. Nay, this is well; but sing him some wild 
song 
That will inflame his Moslem blood, and not 
The soft words of an amorous lay. 

Moresca. Why thus ? 

Ahrah. Ask not. He was a soldier : then proclaim 
The glories of red war — the rush of armies. 
And the commingled sounds of conflict — these, 
These best should suit a Moslem temperament 



30 ABRAH — THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act 1. 

And stir the lofty spirit he possesses. 

Moresca. Thou knovv'st I can but tamely sing such 
themes, 
Yet will I do thy bidding. {Exit.) 

Ahrah. Thanks, sweet, thanks. 

{Pauses — then resumes.) 
She's gone : here shall I bide to learn the issue. 
If he be what he was, her fiery songs 
Will move him strangely. I have known the day 
He could be governed by the melody 
Of singing girls — made quiet or inflamed 
Unto the highest pitch of fury, but — 
(O, thou obstruive word! thou timorous doubter!) 
But now it may be otherwise indeed. 
Numidian lions were they fed with milk. 
And fattened with effeminate luxuries, 
Would become docile, ay, as meek as kittens ! 
I know not whether 't is so with the Pasha ; 
My hopes forbid me crediting the tale ; — 
But here he comes ; I shall withdraw myself 
He seems so deeply frenzied. — Ha, good imp I 
I bless thee much. {Exit.) 

Pasha entering at an opposite door. 

Pasha. That song has awakened up 

My half-extinguished feelings, and renewed 
Desires — which never can be more substantial — 
To be what once I was — to be again 
At liberty and powerful. I have been — 
Let others speak of that ; let Rhodes declare 
For there 't is known full well ; but what I am 

' Let none say in too loud a breath. Poor self ! 



Scene II.] abrah — the conspikator. 11 

Thou art a slave in silk whose gracious masters 
Nurse thee but to exemplify their mercy. 
Curses upon thee, emblem of my slavery ! 

{Throivs down his turhan.) 
Who trembles at the frov/ning brow that bears 

thee ? 
None but my brotherhood of serfs ; not one : 
The merest Christian dog can make me quake ; 
The shadow of a sword unnerves my heart ! 
And I Avho am thus, once feared not the boldest. 

Enter Abrah. 

What ! thou here wretch? thou who couldstbasel y 

aid 
In bringing me to this : art here to laugh 
And triumph o'er my fall } I tell thee hence 
Ere passion overleap the bounds of prudence. 
I have not learned to love a traitor yet ! 

Abrah. Nay, rave not thus : I've done the grievous 
wrong 

Pasha. That hell can witness : but no more ! no more ! 
Thy words provoke the demon in my nature 
And if it be loosed, though I am but a slave, 
'T will bear hard on thee for thine insolence, 

Abrah. I grant this anger is deserved, but now, 
Having repented of my former crime, 
I offer an atonement equally matched. — ' 

Dost dare to think of freedom } 

Pasha. Curse the tongue 

Which would provoke me thus. I am a slave 
To whom such thoughts are things forbidden : 
away ! 



12 ABRAII THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act I. 

Ahrah. I will not though thou threaten life : nay, 

nay; 
For I have come resolved to rescue thee 
And build a loftier empire for thy government. 

Pasha. What — who art thou to rave so wondrously ? 

Ahrali. In sooth, a very wretch who has undone 

But will make thee again. I am no dreamer, 
Or, if so, my dreams are realities 
Based upon solid grounds not speculation. 
Listen ! for I have that now to reveal 
May startle thee with wonder, yet believe. 

Pasha. Out with thy story ! 

Ahrah. Thou lovest liberty : 

Caged eagles fed upon the daintiest fare 
Will pine for their far mountains, and exult 
At chance of freedom ; why shouldst thou not 

too ? 
A thousand of thy fellow-captives feel 
Keenly as thou ; for, though their bonds be light. 
There is a bitter degradation with them 
Which makes the wearers chafe. I did perceive 
This fostering sph-it of discontent, and with 
Some of the boldest murmui'ei's discoursed 
How we might break from every link that binds 

us : 
'Tis half resolved, and we but wait thy favor 
To perfect all things. 

Pasha. What can I avail ? 

Ahrah. More than thou dreamest. Let us reckon thee 
One of our number, and thereby we add 
Importance to our strength which will persuade 
The wavering multitude to aid our project. 



Scene III.] abrah — the conspikator. IS 

Pasha. Then let me be a leader in thy plot. 

Abrah. For such we purposed thee, and when success 
Has crowned the darUng demon we are nursing 
A throne is thine by universal sufFrage. 

Pasha. I'll enter whole-souled in this enterprize ; 
But first — who are thy fellow plotters ? — I 
Can vouch for all the devil that's in thee, 
But, as for them, I am in ignorance. 

Ahrah. They're men of note and influence with us : 

The vizier's son — Harak — is ours. The chief 
Who sailed thy galley, and the bravest captain 
That ever led the Janizars — Akabar — 
Are named as principals who will direct 
Our vast machinery. But short time hence 
We shall, being finally convoked, decide 
All measures. I will lead thee tliither, signer. 
If 't be thy pleasure. 

Pasha. Then I stand prepared. 

(Exeunt.) 

Scene Sd. — Garden near the F ash a's palace. 

Abrah, solus. Ha ! I have touched the spring which has 
unclosed 
The entrance to his secret disposition : 
If he thus countenance this first intrusion 
What will he not do when his thoughts and pas- 
sions 
Are trained to follow as I have directed ? 
Anticipation grows of tenfold import! 
My mind o'erleaps the moments to be spent 
In pondering and resolving all this project, 



14 ABRAH — THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act I. 

And bears me to the end which is success. 
But these hopes should be nursed in secresy 
Till they have reached the age of full completion. 

Enter Moresca. 

Moresca. Since thou art thus alone I venture here ; 

Perchance I am unwelcome at the moment. 
Ahrali. Why harbor such a foolish fancy, girl ? 

Am I not always jealous of thy favor ? 
Moresca. Yea, on my faith ! there thou art over proper ; 

But when we are wedded I shall bring that pas- 
sion 

To a just state of moderation, sir ! 
Abrah. Now, by thine eyes! 'twas spoken cavalierly ; 

Thou 'dst stand well for a soldier of the guard. 
Moresca. Ay, I can be the soldier when I will 

And look as barbarously. 
Abrah. Well done, good sooth ! 

But couldst thou be the warrior more in deed ? 

Couldst aim a shot, or drive a dagger home 

On good occasion ? 
Moresca. Yea ! for once I did 

Good battle in my earlier days — 'twas when 

My father fell. I had been nursed amid 

The sounds of war and all its pageantry, 

And taught to laugh even in the face of danger ; 

What wonder then, that I stood by my sire 

When perils were most imminent, to aid him ? 

It made him proud to know his only child 

Inherited his valor as his virtues, 

The all — but that no sordid heritage — 

He had to leave her. But I wander much. 



Scene III.] AfiRAH~THE conspirator. 15 

I said my father fell. I saw the knave 
Who pressed hhn to his death : as he cxuhed 
Above the bleeding corse my hand directed 
A shot that hurled him shrieking to thd earth. 
Ere I could flee from the unequal conflict 
His comrades captured me and bore me hither. 

Alrah. I see thou 'rt moulded for stern purposes^ 
And will confide to thee, what never women 
Other than thou might v/ell be trusted with. 
List! there's a plot which hastes to consummation, 

Moresca. {Seizing him hy the arm) A plot? 

Abrah. Ay, call it what thou wilt, — a plot 

Which shall of slaves make freemen. 

Moresca. Who be they 

Dare meditate it ? 

Abrah. Many, many, girl ! 

Myself; the captain of the guard — 

Moresca. What, Mirzah? 

Abrah. The same, and others of as fair condition, 
Fitted for such a noble enterprize. 
The Pasha knows of this : he might through fear 
Disclose our secret, therefore have I purposed 
To set thee as a guard upon his motions. 

Moresca. What, I ? 

Abrah. Ay, thou ; and if he should betray 

The show of such design, be it thy duty 
To give me knowledge of 't. 

Moresca. Light office, 

I do confess. 

Abrah. Well, wilt perform it then? 

Moresca. Yea, well and faithfully; and this I swear 
By all our mutual love ! 



16 ABEAH — THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act H. 

Abrah. Fair oath enough ! 

Thy heart should not be bound with one too 

rough. 
Now do I put thy prudence to the proof. 

[Exeunt.) 

ACT II. 

Scene I. — Algiers. — Roo)n in the fortress. — Stoi'my 

without, 
ilnter Abdal, Tarik, and Kader, staggering^ hearing 

loine bottle and cuj)S. 
Abdal. Ah! good wine — Christian wine — ItaHan wine, 

Is a good thing — it fits one for all service. 

Now you and I can stand up to our duty — 

Most nobly. Well ; here are some chairs ; well 
done : 

Take seats! 
Tarik. Ay ; 'tis most comfortable here : 

Without 'tis foul ; a doubtful kind of day. 
Abdal. By Allah ! 'tis even blacker than thy hide : 

Wherefore, it is not day, I say. 
Kader. Nay, comrade, 

Pray jest about some matter else, for skins 

Are but indifferent things unless they be 

Abdal. All calf-skins like thine own. 

Kader. Nay^ nay, sir ; rather 

Goat-skins like thine to carry liquor in, 

Thou veteran swiller! 
Tarik Bravo for thy wit ! 

Did Abdal run upon such rocks too frequently. 

He would forswear the sea and be a donkey. 
Ahdal. Marry ! and thou wouldst be my brother ass, 

Because thy natural love of silliness, 



Scene I.] abrah — the conspirator. 17 

Would metamorphose thee most speedily. 

{Signal gtm heard.) 

Hoa! hark! (Exit.) 

Tarik. Some vessel running into port. 

Kader. With a rough wind astern : heaven grant no 

losses ! 
Tarik. So say I, comrade ! fill and drink to that ! 

Re-enter Abdal. 
Ahdal. 'Tis a polacca, but she bears no flag 

To indicate her quality or nation. 

She is already at the mole — snug in — 

And giving out a portion of her contents. 
Kader. What be their shape ? round like a proper cask, 

For instance, or of doubtful form like thee ? 
Ahdal. To save thee chuckling at the expectation 

Of soaking thine old flesh in wine, I say 

They are constructed thus — even as thou art; 

Lame carcasses set upon legs as lame. 

But hand a cup of thy resuscitator ; 

I feel a special want of it just now. 
Kader, Ay, ay; we'll drink a round to fairer weather. 
Ahdal. Marry, and so we will. As thou 'rt a friend 

Of precious value and of good example, 

I shall be thy disciple. 
Tarik. So shall I, 

If all thy lessons be thus easily learned. 
Kader. Ye are most excellent pupils, on my word ! 

To understand instructions at a hint ; 

In faith ye've been more apt than I, good sirs, 

And learned my store of knowledge ere I taught 
it. {A knock at the door.) 

2* 



18 ABRAH — THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act II. 

What ! how now ! Who would disturb three hon- 
est gentlemen ? 
Voice without. Up, worthy friends ; admit us we be- 
seech you. 
Kader. Well, since ye are such rogues — nay, proper 
men. 
We grant your asking ; — Tarik ! to the door. 
(Tarik opens the door: enter tioo Strangers.) 
\st Stranger. Ye are most jovial gentlemen. — Good sirs. 
We crave your kindly offices a moment, . 
Being strangers in the town, and do desire 
Conducting to your captain. 
Kader. Who's our captain ? 

\st Stranger. Then, by thy grace ! good man, we do 
request 
You will direct us to the commandant. 
Kader. Nay ; I am ill at ease to day; I have, 

A racking of the limbs in such cursed weather, 
Which makes my step comport not with my 
dignity. 
Stranger ( to Tarik.) Then this good fellow will per- 
chance conduct us ; 
Come, I shall give thee something for thy ser- 
vice, 
Beside thou standest in more proper fashion, 
And art not subject to uneasy rockings 
Like thy more indiscreet associates ; 
- But haste ; delay like this may ruin states. 

(^Exit Stranger and Tarik.) 
Kader. As I'm an honest man I fear some danger ! 
Ahdal. Well, what is danger ? is 't a thing that walks, 
Or talks, or has a calf's head ? 



Scene IL] abrah — the conspirator. 19 

Kader. Nay ; not thus, 

But dahger 's perilous ; now dost comprehend ? 

Ahdal. Come ! drink man, drink ! such noblemen as we 
Should not disturb our wits in solving p^-oblems, 
Of metaphysics : we'll leave them to fools 
More learned than ourselves. — Up ! drink again, 
And let us seek some other neighborhood. 

{Exeunt) 
Scene II. — Street in Algiers. 
Enter the Stranger and Hussein, the commandant. 

\st Stranger. Now, as thou hast full knowledge of our 
projects, 
I crave thy kind attention on the moment, 
To lead me to the presence of the Dey, 
This being matter of great urgency. 

Hussein. Thou shalt be shoAvn to him at once, and 
there 
Unfold this business to his private ear, 
And I do promise thee, well in advance, 
Thy suit will meet his favor, for he hath 
A nursed hate towards those knightly pirates, 
Who do molest our commerce on the seas. 

1st Stranger. Thanks for thy fair encouragement, and 
now 
I shall despatch my comi'ade to our bark, 
That lie may make all ready for return, 
Upon the instant. 

Hussein. As ye best may think : 

I warrant a quick answer from the Dey. 

1st Stranger {addressing his comrade.) 

Then, Hassan, to the port and follow out 
Our well advised intentions ; have things trim, 



20 ABRAH THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act 11- 

That we may perfect our commission swiftly. 

(Exit Hassan.) 

Now, with thy favor, we'll proceed. 
Hussein,. Then follow : 

The palace is not distant, and thou shalt 

Gain due adiTiission to the royal presence. 

(Exeujit.) 
Scene III. — Roominihe Dey of Algiers'' j^cilace. — Detf 

seated. — Officer standing near. 
Bey. What ! news sayest 1hou ? 
Officer. Ay, signor : news 

I wish I knew not, or had other choice 

Than to inform you of. 
Dey. Ha, sir ; ill tidings : 

'Tis thus thy heshation I interpret. 

But of what nature is the loss ? did't chance 

On land or sea ^ 
Officer. At sea. Our noblest galley 

Was run down by a christian armament, 

And though our seamen stood courageously. 

Superior numbers overcame their strength. 

But not their spirit, and did seize the bark 

With loss of many knights. 
Bey. Whence came this tale ? 

Officer. 'Twas from the lips of an expiring man, 

A sharer in the fight, who, being wounded 

Beyond all hope of remedy, was launched 

Upon the waters in a little boat. 

That waves and wind combined might drive 
him homeward 

To bear us informatiom of disaster. 
Bey. By Allah ! I shall be revenged for this-— 



Scene III.] abrah — the conspirator. 21 

This outrage on my power : — my noblest ship 
Attacked at vantage, captured and drawn off 
To form the vaunted matter of a spectacle 
For Maltese thieves ! Ay, I shall have full 

vengeance. 
Prepare a fleet at once, sir ; see 'tis manned 
With choicest crews, and filled with veteran 

troops 
Who can be trusted to the last of life. 
Do this with utmost haste and diligence, 
And further orders thou shalt have anon. 

{Exit Officer.) 

Enter Slave. 

Dey. What now ? 

Slave. There's one without — a stranger — 

Who, with the commandant, Hussein, desires 
Admittance to an audience. 

Dey. Let them enter. 

{Exit Slave — re-enter with Hussein and the Stranger.) 

Dey. What craves a hearing for this morning, Hussein ? 

Hussein. Your highness shall be straight informed of it ; 
As 'tis a business of no usual import, 
We feared a moment of delay at present 
Might cause more ruin than an hour hereafter. 

Dey. But who may be this foreigner ? 

Hussein. 'Tis he 

Who has so large an interest in this visit. 

Dey. Explain ! Whence comes he ? 

Stranger. From the Maltese isle 

1 come on special embassy to thee. 
But some days back I left Valetta's port. 
Disguised, in a polacca : I have been 
2 



32 ABRAH THE CONSPIEATOR. [Act 11. 

The sport of every wind and wave since then 
Till driven into this harbor, Allah's blessing 
Rested upon my enterprize, else had 
The waters merged me in their tm-gid bosom, 
And drowned thereby the hopes of toiling thou- 
sands. 

Dey. 'Twas rough adventure : the reward should be 
Most great in contrast to the perils braved. 

Strangir. 'Tis in thy power to aid in recompensing 
And filling up the measure of return. 

Dey. Then tell us further that I may decide. 

Stranger. Know then there's a conspiracy devised 
Will hurl the empire of thine enemies, 
The luxurious knights of Malta, from its base : 
The mine is dug — the train is laid — the brand 
That will enkindle the volcanic elements 
is blazing, till the signal shall be made 
To touch this agent of black desolation. 

Dey. What ! has such monstrous progeny seen light, 
■ Nor given a foe alarm at its existence } 

Stranger. None meditate its being saving those 

Whose hands are ready to accumulate ruin. 
Trust me, all whom 'twill swallow in destruction 
Are lulled into the deep security 
Of apathetic slumber. 

Dey Tell us then 

What aid ye could expect or ask from me. 
Since standing thus assured of victory .? 

Stranger. That will I, for 'tis upon that commission 
1 have been ordered thus into your presence. 
Our council have desired a fleet should be 
In awaiting, to assist us, both to hold 



Scene III.] abrah — the conspirator. 23 

And garrison the fortresses when taken ; 
This our small force could do indifferently 
Against a people mad and up in arms, 
Wherefore our chief, the captive lord of Rhodes, 
Advised with despatch to seek thy court 
And there lay openly this cause before thee. 
Dey. Since that the promise of success is such, 

And these ennobled bondsmen maybe rescued, 
Ye shall receive the best of my support. 
And, aiding you, I shall revenge myself. 
Go bear this answer to thy friends, and say 
My fleet shall not be lacking on that day. 

{Exeu7it.) 



ACT III. 

Scene I. — Malta, — Night. — Room in the Jeio^s house. 
Abrah, solus. 

Abrah. That hour is hastening on which shall decide 
My after destiny. I have been tossed, 
A very nothing, on the sea of fortune, 
Grasping at moderate hopes which were but 

straws 
To buoy me. Ambition made of me 
A villanous traitor, proffering such wages 
As treachery never gained to blind my eyes ; 
This is my only boon — to be a slave ! 
A mark for every finger of contempt ! 
Yet am I not one to be bowed and crushed. 
Suffering submissively the scorn of knaves ; 
Their many churlish sneerings have begotten 
111 spirits in my soul, ay, and full soon 
The unnatural offspring will forsake their hell 



24 ABRAH THE CONSPIEATOR. [Act III. 

To punish terribly these cursed oppressors. 
They, who should have rewarded me but did not, 
Shall blot the charge against them with their > 

blood : 
I've sworn it ; I have toiled with this sole aim, 
And hoarded up my wrongs, and counted them. 
Like a starved miser would his gold, and shall 
Exact a fearful interest on the sum. 
{Enter Hauak and Mirzah.) 

Harak. How now ! alone good sir ? 

Ahrah. Nay, not alone. 

For hopeful devils keep my company 
And sport about this idle dagger's point, 
Chiding its uselessness. 

Mirzah. They are rash imps 

As I can vouch for thee. In sooth, although 
My sword has done small service for a season, 
I let none say it has too long repose : 
If it be ready to perfoi'm good duty 
In a fit crisis, let it e'en rust now. 

Harak. Yea, let your swords hang useless for a time ; 
It will not harm their temper. 'Tis the hand 
On which depends their virtue ; if it be 
Unnerved like a coward's, then your blades, 
Though of an edge invisibly keen, would be 
But as mere straws. — But let's to business now, 
Nor in such aimless speech consume the night. 

Ahrah. So should we, yet we are but half in council : 
The Pasha cannot join us here to night. 

Mirzah. All else are not far distant. Ibrahim, 

And Akabar will quickly give attendance ; 
Indeed they enter on my word. 



Scene I.] , abrah — the conspirator. 25 

Enter Ibrahim and Akabar. 

Ibrahim. Good friends, 

Success attend upon our purposings ! — 
I met with brief delay, and now would hasten 
The matter of our meeting. 

Abrah. Welcome both ! 

And now we shall proceed to make report 
Of what each severally has done. 

Ibrahim. So be it ! 

And first — if 't be your pleasure — FU unfold 
The result of my embassy in brief. 
The Dey has given full promise of support 
And in such manner as ye had requested ; 
His fleet is now upon the seas, awaiting 
To stretch its sails into our port ^vheneYer 
The signal of success shall be exalted. 
Fidl twenty barks compose the armament, 
These, with the veteran thousands they will bear 

us, 
And captains of high note, will much avail 
To make the conquest of our isle secure. 

Harak. He makes no claims then for this gracious aid ? 

Ibrahim. He did present none on our interview, 
But proffered all with little questioning. 

Mirzah. Thus far our hopes are fair. 

Harak. Ay, as we wish ! — 

Now have we ready in this city's walls 
A triple thousand, armed and schooled for ac- 
tion. 
Watching in expectation of the mandate 
Which shall require the service of their swords. 
Six hundred veterans obey my word ; 



26 ABRAH THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act III. 

Mirzah has even more, and Akabar 
Has an awaiting legion. 

Akabar. Then to-night 

Let us decide the order of our action, 
Day, hour, and sign, and points for the attack. 

Ahrali. These has the Pasha, aided by the counsel 
Of Plarak and myself, determined on 
■ After all due deliberation. — Thus 
Is our arrangement, which, with just consent 
Of those who bear chief interest in the matter, 
Will be the rule of guidance. Ye must know 
That 't is the wont of Maltese citizens 
To leave Valetta at St. Peter's feast, 
Seeking the Ciie Notable. At noon. 
When 't will be thus deserted, 't is proposed 
To rise in arms and seize upon the town. 

Mirzah. What signal shall inform us of the moment ? 

Abrah. Soklan will show thee that ! He has instruction 
To stab that gray-beard Pinto and display 
His head upon the palace-balcony : 
Then let each dagger be well-aimed and drink 
A sea of knightly blood ! Hear and obey ! 
{Addressing Mirzah.) 

Thou, with thy band, wilt seize upon the gates ; 
Ibrahim will take and hold the cavaliers ; 
Thou, Akabar, wilt seize the arsenal ; 
liarak and I will rush upon St. Elmo ; 
With these in fast possession we shall stand 
Against all efforts, till the promised fleet 
Bear in to our support. This is the plan 
We have devised, and, with your joint assent, 
It shall become the strict law of our enterprise. 



[Scene 11. abrah — the conspikatou. 27 

Akahar. \i seems well fitted for successful issues. 

Harak. Then do ye all approve it ? 

All Ay. 

Harak. If all, 

Then stands it for our government : let each 
Be perfect in his part, so shall success 
All our endurance and exertions bless ! 

(Exeunt.) 

Scene II. — Room in the Jeio'^s house. — Abrah and 
MiRZAH seated. 

Abrah. Here bide awhile, and we will set apart 

This night for feasting, and that full enjoyment 

Our expectations for the future warrant. 
Mirzah. Well, as thou wilt : I am a gentle fellow, 

Pliant, — if rightly plied, — and will do aught 

To favor a firm friend, even to the death, 

If I am lightly fingered. 
Abrah. Thou art honest 

In this revealing of thyself, in faith ! 

If roughly used thou wouldst be on the instant 

A nettle to the touch ; — is't so ? 
Mirzah. Ay, marry ! 

Abrah. I know thee then, an't please thee call the Jew : 

I'll order things meet for our entertainment. 
Mirzah. (Stejjping to a side door.) 

Ho ! Jew ; walk thyself hither for our service. 
Israel. (Without.) I come, good gentlemen ! (Enters.) 
Abrah. Now Israel, 

Bring up thy best of wine ; quick, and stint not, 

And thou shalt drink to our success with us. 

Now get thee gone ! (Jew leaves the room, 



28 AERAH THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act III. 

Lowing ; rc-eniers hearing bottle and glasses^ 

which lie deposites on the table. 
Ahrah. Now let us drink " to a successful issue 

Of our grand enterprise." 
Mirzah. Well done ! — Well drank ! 

Nay, Israel, cast not such penurious glances 

Upon the board ; good wine was made to drink. 
Abrah. Tremble not for thy profits : they '11 be paid 

To the minutest fraction, thou sly knave. 
Mirzah. We will remember thee. 
Israel. • Then heaven grant 

Your memories fail not ere it be too late : 

I've known as honest gentlemen as ye. 

Who had that curious fault, forgetfulness, 

In unbecoming quantity, 

And, when I humbly craved a just attention 

To their given promises, they judged more 
proper 

To pay their trifling scores in damns than duc- 
ats. 

I hope ye are not such, good gentlemen ! 
Abrah. Go! thou ai't foolish, Jew : Begone! 

Hast thou so soon forgotten we will be 

Of power to command thy present masters ? 
Israel. Thou sayest so ; yet I have certain fears 

Thou wast not formed for other than thou art. 
Ahrah. Away, thou miserly scoundrel ! thou dry-bones ! 

Or, by my life, I'll break this sword about thee. 
{Strikes ivith his sioord at the Jeio, %oho jlies from the 
roo)n.) 

Accursed dog ! 'tis well he fled so quickly, 

Else had he suffered for his insolence. 



Scene IL] abrah — the conspirator. 29 

Mirzah. Nay, be more calm : sheatlie thy steel and sit 

down. 
Abrah. Fill up ! I am calm. Let us drink again. 

Mirzah. Thy pleasure's my command, which thus I do. 

Abrah. This wine grows vile, and yet it hath the hue 
Of the most famous. Captain, canst explain this? 

Mirzah. Marry ! I can illuminate this question 
To so intense degree it shall be evident 
To one as dull as thou. First, ansv.er me : 
Cannot all women seem true, yet play false ? 
Virtue is but, at best, vice well invested 
With fair-trimmed garments which do trick the 

eye 
iBy their most modest whiteness : tlicrefore, I suv 
Women look angels when they act like devils. 
Speak I not truth ? 

Abrah. A curse on thy philosophy ! 

'Tis falsity ! did I believe one woman 
Acted as thou hast said all will, by heaven, 
This dagger should conclude her tricking life ! 

Mirzah. What ! art thou, too, become a woman's play- 
thing, 
The bauble she may sport with for day, 
And cast aside when it gives no more pleasure ? 
I had conceived thee wiser. 

Abrah. How ! m^ wiser ! 

Thou sayest I am but a woman's toy : 
1 read thy speech : — thou entertainest spite 
Because some amorous suit of thine was scorned 5 
This has given thy philosophy so sour 
A sentiment that it derides all virtues. 

Mirzah. I have been too successful in my suits -, 
3* 



30 ABRAH THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act IV, 

} could say that which would inflame thy hea/t 
Against her whom thou thinkest most honora- 
ble. 
Ahrah. Against whom ? name ! {grasping his poig- 
nard.) 

Mirzah. If thou wilt press me 'tis 

Abrah. 'Tis who ? 
Mirzah. The Moorish girl, 

Abrah. Curse on thy tongue. 

Thou lying dog ! I '11 pierce thy coward's heart, 
And drink my fill of revenge ere we part. 
{Attemps to stab Mirzah who files from the room. 

Abrah pursues, scene closes.) 

ACT IV. 

Scene I. — Roovi in the Jew''s house. — Morning. — Is- 
rae£.-^Rachael, his tcife — Rebecca his daughter^ 

Rachael. I toll thee, Israel, reveal this all ! 

Thou shalt not have aught more connexion with 
Such dangerous miscreants. There is thy wine 
Wasted and drunk, and that without due par- 

ment, 
Thy house become a very den of riof, 
Therefore I tell thee for thine own salvation 
Unfold this plot to the Grand-Master Pinto. 

Israel. Hush thy vile prattle, wench ! I cannot think : 
Thou art a chattering wittol. Cease, I say, 
Thy clatter troubles me. 

Rebecca. Nay, father, listen ! 

Hear, for thy daughter's sake, and do at once 
Disclose this matter, as 't were best, ert nun 
Fall on us. 



Scene IL] abrah — the conspirator. 31 

Israel. Ruin, child ? How can we be 

More wretched, ruined than we are already ? 
Nay, think again and weigh thy speeches more. 

Rebecca. Alas ! we are not wretched as we nnight be ! 
Should all this secret project be discovered, 
Thyself wouldst be the first to suffer death : 
O, would not then our ruin be far surer ? 

Israel. What ! child, would not my grey hairs rescue 
me 
From the insatiable executioner's axe ? 

Rebecca. Nay, nay, 'tis fearful to be thought on ; nay I 
Not all our tears, nor all thy silvery hairs. 
Not all our supplications then could save thee. 

Rachael. Fly, old man, fly, with all the little strength 
Thy limbs possess, — fly to the castle now ; 
To Pinto's self, or whom thou wilt, declare 
This nursing treason. Fly ere 'tis too late : 
Thy life and ours arc hanging upon this. 
Resolve, and save us : — save thy wife, — thy 
daughter ! 

Rebecca. Fly ! father, save thyself, I do beseech thee ! 

Israel. Yea, as thou wilt, my daughter, shall I do. 

(Exeunt.) 

Scene II. — Day. — The front of the Grand Master's 
palace. 

Mirzah, solus. Here let me ponder whilst I am alone, 
And give my mind free leave to think. Last 

night 
We had determined all things ; named the 

time,-'— 
The manner of the cursed revolt which should 
Hurl down the fabric of this governmeijt. 



Ii2 ABRAH THE CONSPIRATOK. [Act IV. 

Some ill-advising spirit did persuade me, 
Blinded with folly, to work my undoing. 
And thus long hath been near me to encourage 
The suicidal purpose. It did bring 
My feet unto the very verge of ruin — 
Even to the edges of the precipice, 
Yet ere I tottered into the abyss 
Which gaped an utter hell beneath, some sound — 
A starting admonition — did arouse ^me. 
And placed my judgment on the watch for dan- 
ger ; 
And thus am I delivered — saved. I would 
Have rushed into the bosom of destruction. 
Had not the demon of that hasty Moor 
Prompted him to attack my life. By heaven ! 
I thank him for the deed ; for what did menace 
A present ill will prove a future good. 
I shi.U no longer band with such a villain, 
But by a revelation will discharge 
My soul of foul intentions, and escape 
The penalty reserved for such a treason. 
{Enter Israel.) 

Israel. Alone upon thy watch, good Captain ? 

Mirzah. How ! 

Who questions me ? What ! Israel, the Jew ! 
What brings the hither ? Thou art in a tremor, 
As though some ill adventure had befallbn. 

Israel. Nay, naught of that. 

Mirzah. Then what may bring thee hither.' 

Perchance thou hast met that villanous Moor : 
Is't so ? 

Israel. How villanous.^ Ye were before so gracious, 
So amiably inclined unto each other : 



Scene II.] abrah — the conspirator. 33 

That quarrel o'er my wine has changed thy na« 
lure. 

Mirzah, Ay, changed beyond all further chance of 
change. 
I have so undergone all these mutations, 
That the result is fixedness immovable : 
I will not harbor with such dogs again ; — 
Nay, I would rather live a slave than be 
A prince among such wretches ! 

Israel. Then, good Sir, 

I do agree with thee, and have abjured 
Such damned company, and will no more 
Assist them in their murderous machinations. 
I have resolved to unfold this bloody secret 
Unto thy Master, Pinto de Fonseca, 
And, if thou wilt, we'll visit him together. 
Thus shall we save ourselves from that perdition 
Which surely waits on all detected traitors. 

Mirzah. Thy thoughts and resolutions are my own : 
But in this matter how shall we proceed ? 
'Twere best to point out that conspirator 
Who hath done both of us chief injury ; 
Let him declare, in his own implication, 
Whom he may please. Thus we'll redeem 

ourselves. 
Nor openly accuse our gentler comrades. 

Israel. Such being thy advice, as't seems most proper,, 
I will obey ; and now with thy sure guidance, 
We shall obtain admission to the Palace. 

{Exeunt.) 



34 ABRAH — THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act IV. 

Scene III. Grand Master'' s clianiber. — Grand Master 

Pinto pacing the floor alone. 
Pinto. I have a feverish sense of danger imminent 

And hanging on a breath, which keeps my heart 
Unsettled and my brain upon the rack 
Of anxious doubting. These ill fears have made 
A torture of repose, and driven away 
Calm slumber from my pillow. They may be 
The fancies of a soldier in his dotage, 
And yet I do belie my resolution 
To think 'tis so : ay, there must be some truth 
In these suspicions that do come upon me, 
And press me to attention unadvisedly. 
Fancies that do spring up without the fore- 
thought, 
Cannot be merely nothings. There's a fleet 
Now hovering in our seas which augurs evil : 
This morn I shall despatch my well-armed gal- 
leys 
To rid the waters of this gathering mischief: 
Yet this is no just cause of my disquiet : 
I have no dread of slaves who are but sons 
Of sires ourselves have vanquished, times un- 
numbered. 
My fears spring not from this ; I have an awe 
Of an indefinite something — what I know not. 
Slave enters. 
Slave. The Captain of thy guard is here without, 
Asking a hearing for himself and comrade. 
Pinto. Admit them then, and stand thou within com- 
pass 
Of any signal for attendance. Ha ! 

(Slave exit.) 



Scene III.] abrah — the conspirator. 35 

What may this mean ? — it doth look more than 
singular. 

(Enter Mirzah and Jew.) 
What prompts thee to an interview, good cap- 
tain ? 
Knowest thou aught more of this armament, 
That would well justify our vigorous action 
In scattering it ? 
Mirzah. Nay, 'tis for other purpose 

That I have made intrusion on thy quiet. 
Pinto. What portion hath this Israelite in the affair ? 
Mirzah. Signer, he is a principal and witness 

In what we shall inform thee of. 
Pinto. 'Tis well. 

Now hasten in thy business : what's its bear- 
ing ? 
Israel. 'Tis hideous, Sir, beyond comparison. 
Pinto. What ? how .'' Speak in plain phrases, not dark 
hints. 
That I may comprehend this mystery. 
Mirzah. Then shall we : 'tis of monstrous treachery 
That works in darkness. Grant thy pardon, 
And guarantee our safety, we'll unveil 
The hell that gapes to swallow up the State. 
Treason is in thy walls : poignards are whetted 
To massacre thy knights, ay, and thyself. 
Swear, on thy faith, we shall be safe in speak- 
ing. 
Pinto. By heavens ! 'tis strange. Those sudden au- 
guries 
That whispered ill were faithful monitors. 
I warrant you your lives, upon my honor ! 
Mirzah. Then listen : — there are banded now together 



36 ABRAH — ^THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act IV. 

The chief slaves of thine order. They have 

met 
In this Jew's house, and held deliberate counsel 
How they might best subvert the government, 
And take it to themselves. Abrali, the Moor — 

Pinto. What ! he who aided in his Pasha's capture ? 

Mirzah. The same. 

Pinto. O, double traitor ! He is full 

Of villany as hell itself, — as fiendish 
As the chief devil in foul Pandemonium 

Mirzah. All thou hast said he is, and even more : 
He is unfaithful to his very allies. 
Last night he drew his poignard upon me, 
And had I not fled quickly from his presence, 
Would e'en have stabbed me to the heart ; — all 

this 
Because, being o'er excited with his wines, 
I let my tongue lie lightly of his mistress, 
Who, as 1 can avow, is fair and virtuous : 
The Jew can bear me witness this is truth. 

Israel. What he has said is true in the report ; — 

This Moor is a rash ruffian, Signer ; wherefore 
I do advise that he should be arrested, 
And, being secured, the mainspring of this plot 
Thereby is taken away. 

Pinto. It shall be done. 

Captain, send guards to seize him on the instant, 
And bear him to the council hall ; meanwhile 
The Jew shall make me further revelations 
On which thou shalt receive thy future orders. 

{Exit Mirzah.) 
What hast thou more to make report of, Jew ? 



Scene IV.] abkaji — the conspirator. 37 

Jit'acL This; — Harak's cliief promoter of this scheme; 
He, with the Moor, had purposed to attack 
St. Elmo on the feast of Paul ; Ihrahim 
^Vould storm the cavaliers ; and Akabar 
The arsenal. Soldan, thy slave, 'twas planned 
Should murder thee, and show thy bleeding head 
On the front balcony : — this was declared 
Tlic sign for general revolt, whereon 
Each knight would meet assassins at his door ; 
The town, once in possession, they would hold 
Until the Barbary fleet bore in to aid them : 
This I o'erheard last night, whilst in my house 
Tiiey were assembled for a last advisement. 
Vinlo. This is enough of treachery I O God ! 
That all my leniency to such base slaves 
Should only prove a curse unto myself, 
And bring a deep damnation upon them ! 
It were enough to make mo quite forswear 
All gentleness of heart, ay, all humanity, 
(Since kindness meets such black ingratitude,) 
And be a tyrannous ruler hence forever. — 
Come ! I shall bring the law upon these traitors. 

[Exexint.) 
Scene IV. — Judgmntf. chcanher. — Grand Master, Pin- 
to. — XiMiNEs, Rohan, and other Knights, seated 
heside him. 

Pinto. Brothers, 'tis for a fearful counselling 

Ye are thus called together. I have learned 
Of lurking treachery on the eve of bursting 
From its concealment. Traitors are in our 

streets ; 
Yea, in our very halls. Our slaves have plighted 
Strange oaths to massacre us all, — not one 



38 ABRAH THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act IV. 

VVMio has been less indulgent than another, 

But all are objects of the infernal plot. 

The chief conspirators I have ta'en means 

To bring before you. ^ 
Ximines. Let us, then, behold them ! 

Pinto. Guard, bring them hither with the witnesses I 

(Office)' bows and departs.) 
(Enter Abhaii, Harak, Ibrahim, Akaear and Soi.dan 
■in cJiains.) 

These, brothers, are main actors in the scheme ; 

That slave (pointing to Soldan.) was pledged to 
take my life ; the others 

Were leaders, having each some special point 

Which to attack ; the occasion our next feast 
day : 

No head was to be exempt from general doom ; 

Knight, citizen, man, woman, child, were all 

In merciless slaughter to be o'orvvhelmed. 

These men, (pointing to Mikzah and tJie Jew,) 
arc evidence, and will avouch 

The truth of my narration. 
Mirzah. Tis even so. 

De Rohan. Are none else chiefly implicated ? 
Pinto. ' None, 

Ahrah. I swear 'tis false ! 
Pinto. How, villain ? — speak ! 

Ahrah. - I shall; 

Since 'tis disclosed, none shall escape thy ven. 
gcance. 

Know the Pasha 's as culpable as we. 
De Rohan. The Pasha ? 
Ahrah. Ay, sir, though thou seem'st to doubt it ? 



Scene IV.] abkah^— the conspikator. 39 

These are my witnesses ; appeal to them, {turu' 
ing to his felloiv prisoners.) 
Ximines. In faith ! the knave speaks strangely. Is this 

trits ? [Addressing the prisoners.) 
AU. Yea. 

Pinto, Then, brother knights proceed to judgment in- 
stantj 
Since ye are of this treason well assured. 
The fate of these is first at your disposal ; 
Another time we shall deliberate on 
The proper punishment for the nobler traitor. 
The just award to all of them were death, 
But for the manner use your own discretion, 
And be not influenced by partial passion. 

{The knights consult together.) 
De Rohan. Then thus do we prescribe their deaths at 
once. 
To terrify their fellows one shall be 
Consumed upon the walls; another shall 
Be broken on the wheel ; one torn apart 
By adverse-rowing galleys ; some be bound 
And hurled into the sea : but as they all 
Are equally criminal, let each by the dice 
Decide which of these deaths shall be his own. 
Ximines. These sentences are awful, yet proportioned 
- To the vile crimes, which they would have com- 
mitted. 
We do agree in this. 
Pinto. Then as ye will .' 

I dare not ask the slightest mitigation, 
Since all my former favors to these wretches 
Hath met unkindliest return. Old Jew, 
Thou, and my captain, Mirzah, stand ac(juiited, 



40 ABRAH THE CONSPlRATOK. [Act V. 

As I have pledged my honor on your safet\^ 
Now, guards, conduct the prisoners to their 

cells, 
And see them well secured. Upon the morrow 
Their execution shall take place as ordered. 

{Exeunt guard and prisoners.) 
Alas ! that in my age such cares should come 
To fret my heart and sink me to the tomb ! 

{Exeu7ii.) 



ACT V. 

Scene I. — Slreei in Malta. — Morning : — Enter tieo 
citizens., 7neeting. 

\st Citizen. A good morn to thee, signor ! 

'Zd Citizen. And to thee ! 

But whither hieing at so fair a pace ? 
It must be business of a vast importance 
Which sends thee forth, in such unwonted hastei 
At this hour of the day. 

\st Citizen. Ay ; 'tis a matter 

Of most unusual occurrence here, 
Which hath led me into the thoroughfares 
Of trade and travel, at this present time ; 
And yet 'tis no affair in which I have 
A more particular, private interest 
Than thou and all the noble citizens 
Of this good town. 

2d Citizen. To what dost thou make reference f 

If it relate to my gain equally 
With yours I shall accept my share in it ; 
But I have just arrived and learnt of naught 
Which so affects us : pray, what may it ber 



Scene I.] abrah — the conspirator. 41 

Is^ Ciliten. Then, sir, tliou hast not the intelligence ? 

2d Citizen. Nay ; on my word, I have heard nothing 
good, 
Bad, nor indifferent since the capture of 
The Algerine galley. Speak out, signer, speak ! 
Thou dost delight too much in tantalizing 
The ears of an inquirer : tell this briefly. 

IsL Citizen. Well, briefly, tlien. — To day some scores 
of slaves. 
Who 've been discovered in conspiracy 
Against our lives and tliose of our brave knights. 
Will executed be, as was prescribed 
By the Grand Master and consistory. 

"Zd Citizen. Ha, this is news indeed ; most unexpected 
I must avow. Jesu ' how fortunate 
Were you in the unmasking and destroying 
Of their designs: but how were their intentions 
Given to publicity ? 

1st Citizen. The common story ! 

Two of their number did make information 
Upon the eve of the revolt, whereby 
The danger was crushed in its infancy; 
The words of these two daamed their fellows 
fully. 

2d Citizen. And who were they ? 

\st Citizen, An old Jew and the captain 

Of Pinto's body-guard : these have been par- 
doned : 
The others — slaves — will expiate their crime 
By death alone. But come thou to the plaza ; 
There we'll behold the chief decapitated. 
*4 



42 ABRAH — THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act V, 

2d Citizen. Beheaded ! Heavens, it makes my blood 
run chill ! 
Nay, I cannot look on men dying thus. 

1st Citizen. What, does a Maltese talk so ? 

2d Citizen. Ay ; a Maltese 

Who has borne arms into the perilous battle, 
For his state's service, and returned with then^ 
Dented and red with blood ; yet those I slew 
Were in confused conflict, whilst my mind 
Was worked into a frenzy. I ne'er saw 
A soul wrenched solemnly from life ; not I. 

1st Citizen. Ha ! ha ! Thank God, I entertain no qualms 
Upon this subject. I could gaze at felons, 
Condemned by laws of justice, suffering death. 
Though their heads fell by hundreds on the 

scaffold, 
As calmly as if ihey were ravening dogs. 
Let the law have its way, say I. 

Si Citizen. And I 

Say let me have my way ; so fare thee well. 

( Turns to depart.) 

\st Citizen. Nay, tarry yet ; I see the priest approach- 
ing, 
Who has been ministering to a criminal — 
The Moor : stay, signor, I shall question him 
Touching the culprit. Be obsequious now ; 
Put on thee due solemnity, and give 
Thy countenance a sanctimonious cast : 
Thou 'It see how 't will induce him to converse 
Familiarly. 

2<i Citizen. How shrewd ! Play hypocrite. 



Scene II.] ABRAII THE CONSPIRATOR. 43 

1st CUiten. Thou hast interpreted my hint. We must 
Look reverently on fathers of the church, 
Whether we feel religiously, or not. 
This is an art I have acquired in practice : 
Experience shows its benefit. Thou 'rt young, 
And I have seen some fifty summers fly. 
Wherefore take this advice and my example 
To influence thee in this regard ; act now. 

Enter Priest. 
Good morning to thy reverence ! May it please 

thee. 
Having an interest in the care of souls. 
For we are humble Christians, to inform us 
What change thy godly teachings have pro- 
duced 
Upon the prisoner. 

Priest. He has grown penitent, 

Receiving absolution at my hands. 
Last night I spent the minutes in his cell 
And now do hasten to accompany him, 
It being near the appointed moment, thence 
Unto the plaza ; so note not my hurry 
Offensively, for duty calls me off*. 

{Bows and leases.) 

"Zd Citizen. Well, signer, I have heard enough : adieu ! 

1st Citizen. Do what thou wilt : Til see the execution. 
{Exeunt in opposite directions.) 



Scene II. — Room in wliich Moresca sits alone. 
Moresca. O wretched heart, how canst thou thus en- 
dure. 
Nor burst with anguish ? Death were better far, 



44 ABRAH THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act V. 

Than living in this fretful state of horror, 
The victim of a thousand torturing pangs ! 
He, on whom all thy future hopes were founded, 
The basis of thy happiness, is ruined. 
To-day, to-day, the sentence of his judges 
Is marshalled out into a terrible notice : 
The block, — the axe, — the iron ranks of guards 
Teach things the sternest lips might pale to 

utter. 
He will be last to fall — not by the grace 
Of partial judges, but by the decision 
Of an impartial die. When he 's gone where, 
Where shall I seek a shelter for despair ? 
There'll be no heart to sympathise with mine — 
No lips to win me by their gentle words 
From rny sad madness — my drear melancholy. 
I cannot bear the thought of living thus 
Wrapped in the clouds of my own wretched- 
ness. 
O life, life, henceforth horrible art thou 
Beyond endurance ! {Sound of hell.) Start- 
ling monitor ! 
Fate hangs upon thy knell : I must away, 
And summon all my nerve to carry me 
Where '11 be performed the last act in this 
drama. (Exit.) 



Scene III. — Place of execution. — Block. — Pietro, the 

Executioner, and a Guard. 
\st Soldier. The bell has tolled that notices the ap- 
proach 
Of our companions and the traitorous B'loor. 



Scene III.] abrah — the conspirator. 45 

Pietro. Ay, Jacopo, and my hands have an itching 

To chop the rascal's nape. You see, good 

friends, 
My axe is whetted to a most delicate keenness, 
Wherefore I long to test it. 

Jacopo. Faith, Pietro, 

Thou 'rt a cold-blooded knave, and would not 

care 
Wert thou required to exercise thy skill 
Decapitating us ; nay, by St. John, 
I do not think thou wouldst refuse to strike. 
If the Grand Master's head was on the block. 
Off; thou 'rt too cruel ! 

Pietro. Nay, I am most kind. 

I do cut heads off at a blow, — at once, 
And free a man of life without suspense. 
I am no butcher that does maim and hew 
This limb from that, or make an awkward gash 
Upon the brow, or any where like thou 
Who massacrest for glory and — thy pay. 
By my saint, sir, I trust there 's greater number 
Of honorable men of my profession 
In Paradise, than of thy clumsy brethren. 

Jacoj^o. A proper idea ! I tell thee, man. 

One who doth cut off heads for very love 
Of seeing his adroitness is a villain 
Fitted to sit, e'en, cheek by jowl with Satan. 
Ha ! ha ! thine is an honorable profession ! 

Pielro. Laugh as thou wilt, (fools will laugh at the truth,) 
Yet I do swear myself more honorable, 
More honest, and a much more meet assistant 
Of Justice than thyself and all thy fellows, 
4 



46 ABRAH THE CONSPIRATOR. [ Act V. 

But this is not the place for argument, 
Of which thou hast the worst, sir: — yonder come 
The guard and the condemned man, so be dumb. 
{After aninterval enter Guards, Abrah, his confessor, 
and Pinto, the Grand Master : solenm music heard.) 
Pinto. Thine hour has come : chance did declare thy 
life 
Should be extended until all thy compeers 
Had undergone their penalties. Now they 've 

suffered, 
As traitors, ay, as most ungrateful traitors 
Should ever do, deaths of alarming agony ; 
But one alone escapes this common doom ; 
To him we have decreed life-long imprison- 
ment. 
Because he is of princely race and bearing. 
We have dealt kindly with thee as thy crime 
Would well allow ; we have despatched this 

father 
To warn thee of a perilous hereafter, 
Unless thou wouldst crave pardon of high 

Heaven, 
And refuge take within our holy Church. 
Ahrah. 'Tis well ; thanks to thy generous oflices ; 
I have repented of my crimes and sought 
Their due remission from thy messenger. 
He has spoken kindly to me, and soft words 
Do more effectually move my heart 
Than all invented tortures of the rack ; 
Therefore have I conceded what he wished, 
And called myself a christian thus lately. 
Pinto. Thy gentleness removeth from my heart, 



Scene III.] abrah — the conspirator. 47 

All unbecoming hatred I had borne thee, 
And thus, as I present this hand, receive 
My full forgiveness. Fare thee vv'ell forever ! 
Thou art not long for earth, and I with age 
Am toppling o'er the edges of my grave ; 
Soon may we meet in a bright further world, 
Forgetful of this sole'mn interview ! 
Thou hast an old man's prayer for thy salva- 
tion : 
I cannot look upon thy fall, — farewell ! 

(Exit FiNTO.) 
Ahrah, Farewell, thou generous man ! At last the hour, 
That teaches me what life is, has arrived. 
Thus 1 declare my lesson of experience : 
All things are mockeries, and I that loved them 
Now spurn them with a sneer. Ambition is 
A demon nursed by unquiet hearts 
To make themselves more wretched in the end, 
And glory but an idol based on air : 
I do despise them from my soul, and curse them, 
But all my wisdom comes too late to aid ; 
It is as showers upon the withered leaves, 
That do not freshen nor invigorate them. 
I am the scholar of a bitter teacher. 
And die with knowledge that my own rash fol- 
lies 
Have brought my life unto this termination : 
Fve made me what I am, and not blind fate. 
Priest. Cheer up i the instrument v/hich works thy fate 
Is but an aid to send thy soul from this 
To a more welcome land. A sudden death 
Makes a quick transfer of thee from the earth. 



48 ABRAH THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act V. 

Thy meek repentance hath unbarred those gates, 
Which else had shut thy spirit out in darkness. 

Soldier, (apj^roaching Ahrah.) Here's one would 
speak with thee before thy fall. 

Abrah. And who is this comes at so late a moment 
To give me greeting ? 

Soldier. ' Let herself explain * 

Wherefore she seeks this interview. 
(Filter MoREScA advancing to Abrah.) 

Ahrah. What, thou ! 

Away ! — away ! I could not die in quiet 
If such as thou contemplated my anguish. 
I have been tricked by man, — that I forgive. 
Since they had some light cause for palliation, — 
Some little wrong to justify their vengeance ; 
But as for thee, thy woman's guile has sunk 

thee 
So deeply in the abysses of perdition 
Forgiveness could not reach thee. Hence ! — 



away 



Morcsca. O heavens ! what means this madness ? — 
'Twas not thus 
Thou spok'st to me in happier days. 

Ahrah. Not thus ! — 

Nay, 't was not thus, for then I deemed thee hon- 
est, 
And faithful as thou saidst ; but now I know 
Thy love was feigned, — thy truth was falsify ! 
Away ! — away ! I cannot look on one 
Who has contemned me, and returned my faith 
With vile deceit. Thou hast proved foully false 
To all most solemn vows, fair, perjured one ! 



Scene III.] abrah — the conspiratok. 49 

Moresca. Nay, tis not so, else why should I come hither, 
Nerved by unnatural resolve ? 

Abrah. To taunt 

Me in my dying agonies. 

Moresca. Alas ! 

To meet reproaches where I had expected 
Kind consolations ; this is doubly suffering. 

Abrah. How, foir deceit ! Tears will not melt my 
heart ; 
'Tis iron-bound against thee and thy suit. 
Go hence ! — deal gently with thy paramour ; 
He is more fair of countenance — more gallant, — 
More easily moulded to thy wish than I : — 
Go dally with thy Mirzah, and deceive him. 
After I'm gone, speak not my name in whispers. 
Lest there should rise a fury to torment thee. 

Moresca. Mirzah ! — my Mirzah ! nay, 'tis madness, 
sir, 
To speak thus lightly of my faith and scorn me. 

Abrah. 1 speak not lightly. Mirzah's lips disclosed 
Thy trickery, and warned me of deception, — 
Told me I nursed a serpent, not a dove. 

Moresca. O, wouldst thou then believe a double traitor. 
One who has acted to thyself so fatally ? 
Nay by mine innocence, I swear tis false ! 

Abrah. I do believe it all. 

Moresca. Thou do'st me wrong,»- 

Foul, foul injustice ! yet my deeds shall prove 
I am not what thou thinkest. — I have done 
With hope and happiness ; farewell, forever ! 

{Suddenly stabs herself and falls into the arms of a 
Soldier standing behind her.) 



50 ABRAH THE CONSPIRATOR. [Act V. 

Will this not satisfy thy doubts, O Abrah ! 

(Dies.) 

Priest. Kind Heaven preserve us ! 'Tis a cruel sight ; 
O may these eyes ne'er see another such ! 

Ahrah. O startling horror ! Say — say, is this real ? 

(Grasps the Priest'' s arm.) 
Or is it a hideous dream that shakes my soul ? 

Priest. 'Tis truth in tragic characters. She's gone, — 
Gone on her nnal mission to perdition, 
The victim of insanest rashness. 

Ahrah. Cease I 

Still thy vile prating, or I'll spend my breath 

In execration of thy priestly person ! 

She is not gone where thou declarest ! Nay, 

One sudden f<j!ly will not overbalance 

The virtues of a life. Curse on thy creed 

Which damns such sweet perfection for one 

fault ! 
Where is thy mercy ? Where thy gentleness ? 
Ay, what's thy soul to harbor such a thought, — 
So foul, so devilish ? Away with thee ! 

Priest.^ Rave not so wildly of my faith. I speak 

What has been taught me, and not what I hope ; 
Yet truth, though harsh, must still have utter- 
ance. 
And I am bounden by a vow most holy, 
To be its oracle. The hour draws nigh 
When thoii wilt be resolved into those elements 
Whence thou didst spring, created into life, 
Body and soul. Prepare for thy hereafter! 

Abrah. One look upon the dead before I perish, 
That death may be endured more easily. 



Scene III.] abrah — the conspirator. 51 

(Bends over the hody of Moresca^ whose head is sup- 
]}orted by a Soldie^-, kneeling.) 
Lost, — gone beyond deliverance ! Alas ! 
Those innocent lips so softly closed in ruin 
Chide me with their uuuttered eloquence 
For what I've said, — wliat done : O, I would 

crave, 
Had they the power of granting it, a pardon 
Which should obliterate my crimes, and calm 
The struggle of my spirit. I would weep 
O'er such departed excellence were I not 
Made of such stubborn clay, — of such stern 

nature, 
That tears will come net at my prayer. Fare- 
well ! (Bell tolls.) 
Officer of the Guard., advancing. 
Officer, {to Abrah.) The moment of thy death is here : 
prepare ! 

(To the executioner.) 
See that thy work be sure ! 
Abrah., (rising.) I am prepared. 
(Thrusts his hands into his bosom and suddenly pro- 
duces a dagger.) 

Thus take I leave of life and scorn you all ! 
(Stabs himself, falls before the block and dies.) 
Officer. Perdition seize the traitor ! — he has 'scaped 

The just av.'ard of all his villanies. 
Triest (raising his hands and speaking sole?n?ily.) 
His soul has fled beyond us unforgiven, — 
Whither I know not ; (to the bystander's) pray 
ye ' tis to heaven ! 



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